On Monday the last refrigerator was produced at Orange's Electrolux factory, forcing hundreds of employees to walk away from a place that had - over generations in some cases - become a cornerstone for countless families in the community.

300 employees joined Electrolux Orange manager Mark O'Kane and the Mayor of Orange John Davis to mark the end of 70 years of manufacturing from the site.

"It is a sad day, but I want to thank each and every one of you, as since the day of the announcement in 2013 we would close, you have all done a remarkable job," said Mr O'Kane.

VIDEO: The 300 departing staff gather together one last time:

"You have done all that has been asked of you and you should be proud of your professionalism and attitude right up until the end. You have been outstanding."

Mr O'Kane will leave Orange at the weekend to head up production at the Electrolux plant in Thailand.

On Friday the 300 employees remaining at the factory began signing the back panel of the final upright model refrigerator to come off the production line.

On Monday the honour of the final signature went to the factory's longest-serving employee Steve Brakenridge, who started at the factory 46 years ago as a toolmaking apprentice.

VIDEO: The last signature is added to the factory's last fridge:

Mr Brakenridge will continue to work until December to oversee the distribution of the remaining stock of refrigerators stored at the factory.

"I've had a great working life here and I will go into retirement when I leave here," he said.

"As part of my job I was able to do a lot of study and moved into a supervising role as supply chain manager.

"This place was like a little town when I started, a real working class environment. You could get anything from a haircut at lunchtime to putting a bet on the horses.

"I will miss this place, but not the 5am starts."

VIDEO: Steve Brakenridge shares his thoughts on 46 years at the factory:

Cr Davis told the workers remaining at the factor the contribution of the factory and its workers to Orange's economy should never be underestimated.

"There are so many houses built in Orange that are a result of someone working at Electrolux or having a family member work here," Cr Davis said.

"I wish you all well: those who are looking for a new job or those who are retiring."

VIDEO: Orange mayor John Davis addresses the departing employees:

On Monday the company hosted a farewell lunch for the 200 departing production employees before they walk out the gates for the last time.

Historian Liz Edwards, who has worked closely with Electrolux to record the site's history, said it was the factory and Orange which provided a haven for people escaping war-torn Europe following World War II.

"So many migrants were able to make a new life for themselves and their families, send their children to school here and prosper in the community," she said.

VIDEO: Liz Edwards explains the post-WWII importance of the factory:

janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au